A-C Solar Ranks #6 Commercial Solar Contractor In The US

A-C Solar Recognized as a Top Solar Contractor in California

The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Bakersfield-based solar firm

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.—Coming off the biggest year ever for U.S. solar installations, local installer A-C Solar by A-C Electric Company is proud to be named one of the top solar contractors in the United States by Solar Power World magazine. A-C achieved a rank of #6 Commercial Solar Contractor in the U.S. among other prestigious rankings.

The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets. The list was released on July 25.

“The 2017 Top Solar Contractors list features 500 of the best solar contractors in the United States,” said Kelly Pickerel, managing editor of Solar Power World. “From solar hotbeds on the coasts to the up-and-coming Midwest solar market, every installer adding even the smallest solar array to the grid is making a positive impact on our communities. We’re proud to recognize these companies and their efforts to bring solar power to U.S. homes and businesses.”
The U.S. solar market installed more than 14,700 MW of solar in 2016, nearly doubling the capacity installed in 2015. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predict the cumulative U.S. solar market to nearly triple in size over the next five years. By 2022, more than 18 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity will be installed annually, and A-C Solar will continue to be a major player in adding solar to the grid.

Notable A-C Solar installations completed in 2016 include the Kern High School District project and the 60 MW Five Points utility scale project in Fresno County. The firm installed 102 MW of solar in 2016 nearly doubling their previous cumulative total. Since 1993, when A-C installed the first grid connected solar system in California for PG&E, the company has installed 225 MW of solar.

“The record breaking industry numbers seen in 2016 have certainly been mirrored at A-C Solar. This has been our most successful year to date and it is gratifying knowing that we have created substantial energy savings for numerous organizations and provided jobs in our local communities.” says David Morton, Vice President of A-C Electric Company. “The most exciting part is that our team continues to innovate, grow our presence locally, and expand into new markets as we work to exceed our customer’s expectations.”

About A-C Electric CompanyA-C Electric Company is a California electrical contractor with 70 years experience in electrical engineering, design, construction, industrial automation, commercial solar, and 24/7 service. Since 1945, A-C has been innovating for the future and building on a tradition of excellence in order to help create simple solutions to complex electrical applications for their customers.

About Solar Power WorldSolar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

A-C Electric Company Ranks #1 In Fresno Market For Second Year In A Row

(January 17, 2017 – Fresno, Calif.) A-C Electric Company is named #1 Solar Company in the Fresno Business Journal’s 2017 Book of Lists, published January 17, 2017.

The firm installed over 45 megawatts of solar in the Fresno area and an additional 57 megawatts throughout the rest of the state, nearly doubling their previous cumulative total. This means the solar installed by A-C in 2016 will power 25,500 Central Valley homes for one year.

“The substantial growth A-C has seen in our solar group over the last year is truly remarkable,” said David L. Morton, Vice President of Operations for A-C Electric Company. “Our team has continued to provide the highest standards of design and installation while still maintaining our personal connection with each and every customer. The team’s ability to evaluate energy needs, design custom solution, procure multiple financing options, and support our customers with post-installation system monitoring is unparalleled in the industry making this #1 ranking possible.”

This is also the second consecutive year that A-C Electric Company was ranked the #8 Solar Commercial Contractor in North America by Solar Power World. Solar Power World is an industry leading source for solar technology, development, and installation news. Their annual list of solar companies is North America’s authoritative standard for the solar market.

For more information about solar solutions for commercial, institutional, industrial, and agricultural entities visit a-csolar.com.

Blue Blazers: Jason Jones For Safety

Jason was first introduced to A-C in the early 2000’s during his Apprenticeship. In 2010, he joined A-C full-time as a Service Technician and has grown into his current role as a Foreman specializing in heavy industrial/controls and high voltage projects. He was chosen to be this month’s winner because of his dedication to ‘blazing a trail’ of safety at A-C. He is a member of SAT, Safety Advisory Team, and visits various job sites to perform Job Hazard Analysis reports for the Safety Committee. In addition to his official safety roles, Jason has been a key member in implementing the 360 vehicle walk around. He also mentors our Apprentices and Journeymen Electricians on High Voltage Splicing. In his previous career, Jason served our country as an Electronics Technician 2nd Class in the Navy. Jason’s assignments included: Training Staff Member at the Nuclear Powered Training Unit in Charleston, SC; Safety Division Leading Petty Officer; and operating a 475 MW nuclear reactor on board the USS Harry S Truman stationed out of Norfolk, VA.

Please join me in thanking Jason for his service to our country and this company, and for going above and beyond to make safety the most important part of our job.

For Second Consecutive Year Bakersfield Electrical Company Ranked #8 Commercial Solar Contractor In North America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(July 28, 2016 – Bakersfield, Calif.) – A-C Electric Company has received a top ten ranking for the second year in a row. The #8 placement for Commercial Solar Contractor in North America was announced this week by Solar Power World (solarpowerworldonline.com), a solar industry publication whose annual Top 500 Solar Contractors list is the industry’s gold standard.

“The companies on this year’s list exude solar-business brilliance, and they deserve to be recognized not only for being great companies but also for how their work positively impacts the environment,” said Kathie Zipp, managing editor of Solar Power World.

The U.S. solar market is expected to grow 119% this year, according to global research firm GTM Research. While a majority of solar electricity is produced at large, utility-scale solar power plants, the greatest number of solar jobs are created by companies like A-C Electric Company—firms doing the work to bring substantial financial savings and clean energy to the public.

“When we worked with PG&E to install the first grid connected solar power plant in California back in 1993, we caught a glimpse of what solar could do for the State. As a company, we could not be more proud to take those 20 years of experience and put it to use installing solar systems that power the schools, houses or worship, farms, and businesses in our communities” says, David Morton, VP, Operations at A-C Electric Company.

About A-C Electric CompanyA-C Electric Company is a Central Valley electrical contractor with 70 years experience in electrical engineering, design, construction, industrial automation, commercial solar, and 24/7 service. Since 1945, A-C has been innovating for the future and building on a tradition of excellence in order to help create simple solutions to complex electrical applications for their customers.

About Solar Power WorldSolar Power World (SPW) is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better. SPW is published by WTWH Media in Cleveland, Ohio.

Safety First!

We recently received this email from Jamie Willson, EHS&S Manager at SunPower. The following conversation took place at Centennial High School one of the 26 sites in Bakersfield where A-C Electric Company is working with SunPower on the installation of solar carport shade structures. Safety at all times, but especially around the students in our community, is of the utmost importance to us. We are proud of our team and how evident our commitment to safety is to our partners and the community.

Good Afternoon Team,

I had the honor to spend some time with our SunPower team and our contractor A-C Electric Company at Centennial High School and Mira Monte High School in Bakersfield for World Safety Day this morning. I provided some coffee and muffins for the group. We discussed SunPower’s Stop Work program and being aware of surroundings. Additionally, we discussed how important it is to report any issues or incidents as soon as it happens.

A-C has been a great contractor to work with, as well as their safety team Marc and Gary. As we were finishing up to go to Mira Monte, I was approached by a gentleman who introduced himself as Angel. Angel is an EHS Manager for a local General Contractor, Wallace & Smith. Angel’s two sons attend Centennial High School. Attached is an email sent to me today from Angel about our conversation, wherein he stated that the safety on the site was exceptional. I would like to say thank you to our SunPower team in Kern for all the hard work and for their proficiency in our safety program. Also, for a great job done by our contractors working on the project keeping Safety First!

Hello Jamie,

I was just following up on our conversation this morning. Being in the safety field I am always interested in the safety culture of those who work for my company and those who I see performing work outside my projects. As I said in my introduction, I’ve watched your project on a day to day basis since my two boy attend Centennial High and pass through the school often. I have been very impressed with your company and sub-contractors as it deals with safety and the attention to detail with its application. I’m glad I was able to catch you and relay my views to you. More often than not we don’t always get recognized for how safe a project is. Keep up the great work!

Best Regards,

Angel JimenezHES Manager

A-C Electric Company Earns Top Spot in Fresno

Paul and Kelley Ahern representing A-C Electric Company at the Book of Lists launch party.

(January 26, 2016 – Fresno, Calif.) A-C Electric Company is named #1 Solar Company in the Fresno Business Journal’s 2016 Book of Lists, published January 22, 2016! “A link to the Journal’s online listing will be posted as soon as it is available on their website, but we couldn’t wait to celebrate,” said David L. Morton, Vice President of Operations for A-C Electric Company.

“I am so proud of our team. They are experts at finding the ideal solutions for each and every customer; evaluation of energy needs, custom design, multiple financing options, system monitoring and guaranteed performance. It’s no surprise the A-C team earned top honors in the solar category. As a local company that has been around for 70 years, we have to hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

A-C Electric Company was also recently ranked #8 in North America for Solar Commercial Contractors by Solar Power World. Solar Power World is an industry leading source for solar technology, development and installation news. Their annual list of solar contractors is North America’s authoritative standard in for the solar market.

For more information about solar solutions for commercial, institutional, industrial and agriculture entities, visit a-csolar.com.

A-C Electric Company Ranks #8 in North America

(August 14, 2015 – Bakersfield, Calif.) – A-C Electric Company earned the ranking of #8 on the recent Solar Power World 2015 Top Solar Commercial Contractors list and #33 on the overall list of the Top 500 Solar Contractors in North America. The rankings were published in the July 2015 edition of Solar Power World and online at solarpowerworldonline.com.

“We were able to place in the top 10% of the categories which we serve. We feel this is quite an achievement” said Vice President, Operations David L. Morton. “Being able to draw on the resources and experience of a 70-year old electrical construction company has allowed us to scale up to meet the market demands while maintaining the quality and service that our customers deserve.” Morton went on to report that A-C Electric Company’s solar engineering, procurement, and construction division has tripled its market share in the last 12 months.

The rankings are:

#8 for 2015 Top Solar Commercial Contractors

#33 for 2015 Top 500 North American Solar Contractors

#20 for 2015 Top Solar EPCs

#13 for 2015 Top California Solar Contractors

A-C Electric Company is a leader in electrical engineering, construction, automation, and commercial solar. The firm worked with PG&E twenty years ago to install the first grid-connected solar PV system in California demonstrating the company’s early adoption and expertise in the industry. What’s more their team of electrical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality, safety, and customer service across nearly every field of electrical construction.

Solar Power World is an industry leading source for solar technology, development, and installation news. Their annual list of solar contractors is North America’s authoritative standard for the solar market.

A-C Electric Company Wins 2015 California Family Business Award

Bakersfield, CA May 15, 2015 – A-C Electric Company, a third-generation Central Valley electrical contractor, received the 2015 California Family Business of the Year Award bestowed by The Institute for Family Business in conjunction with the Craig School of Business – a division of CSU Fresno.

The Institute for Family Business seeks to honor family owned businesses for their longevity and dedication to growing local economies. Family owned businesses contribute 57% of the U.S. GDP and employ 63% of the nation’s workforce1. However, only 12% of those businesses continue to the third generation2.

During the nomination process A-C was asked to define what contributed to their third-generation success. There were several key factors including sourcing outside expertise, having a strong board of directors, and staying true to the company’s family values. But the one answer that kept surfacing was the original vision of Joe Alexander, A-C Electric Company’s founder, “we want to create better jobs for better people.”

The Alexander family is truly humbled to receive this recognition. “We have several families who are working on two generations at A-C, and many others have been with us for the bulk of their career.” says Daren Alexander, General Manager of A-C Electric Company. “It is an honor that these good people have chosen to invest their lives in this company.”

The award, including recognition from both the State Senate and Legislature, will be touring the company’s Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield offices Stanley Cup style.

A-C Solar in the News

Solar Power World Podcast

We recently had the opportunity to join Kelly Pickerel from Solar Power World for a podcast. Listen here:

The only way to survive multiple decades of business is to evolve with the times. Seventy-year-old A-C Electric was approached in the early 2000s to assist contractors on solar projects in California’s Central Valley. Ten years later, its spinoff A-C Solar functions as its own EPC with a steady stream of projects out of its Bakersfield, Visalia and Fresno divisions.

“Getting that early start has been very helpful,” said Jeff Petrini, energy manager. “It has given us the ability to grow along with the technology.”

A-C installs all types of projects but primarily focuses on the commercial, industrial and non-profit segments. The Central Valley is a hub for agriculture and manufacturing, so there is an abundance of businesses that benefit from solar. A-C considers itself a local company and attributes its success to building relationships with the community and its customers.

“It’s important to us to give the best effort that we can because it’s more than just a business relationship. All of our relationships extend outside of that into the community,” said Katie Van Dyke, sales and marketing manager. “That has a really profound effect on the way we approach our market.”

A-C is constantly seeking the best financing options, monitoring utility and rate changes and vetting new products to provide customers with the best overall experience.

“Our customers know that they mean more to us than just a paycheck,” Van Dyke said. “It’s not just about making money at the end of the day. It’s about making and building communities.”

There will be plenty of future opportunities to install solar in A-C’s community, Petrini said, even if the ITC is not renewed.

“The bankability of solar and the reliability of solar is becoming more and more attractive to financial institutions, and private business owners want to invest their money long-term in something a little bit different,” Petrini said. “I have a feeling we’re going to see very lucrative systems until the end of 2016 because the utility rates appear to be on a steep curve right now. Once that ITC drops away, we’ll come back to where we are at the moment. The way I see it, the solar future is bright.”

The best way to ensure solar continues its upward climb is to be truthful with customers, Petrini said.

“There is a lot of pride in knowing that we are providing a sustainable product and cost savings for our customers,” he said. “I’ve sat in front of customers and recommended that it might not be in their best interest to go with the project. We are a 70-year-old company; we need to make sure we are up-front with our customers and provide all of the knowledge that we have [and] not just trying to sell a project. Making sure we provide the most accurate information is part of the challenge.”

Van Dyke said she’s proud of the work A-C Solar has done.

“With the proper financing, we can get a large-scale institution, with zero out of pocket, saving money from Day 1,” she said. “As a school, that means more scholarships, more money in the classroom. As a business, that means they can hire that new employee. For us, it’s knowing that we’re giving them something that is sustainable from an environmental aspect but it’s also hugely economically sustainable. We can always feel proud of that as a company.”

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FIRST IN THE COUNTY TO ADOPT SOLAR POWER

Bakersfield Christian High School Partners With Local Solar Company for Carport Shade Structure Project

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2014

Bakersfield, CA In a world of ever rising educational costs it can be a challenge for schools to balance tuition expenses without sacrificing an exceptional education. Bakersfield Christian High School has chosen to meet this challenge with an innovative solution- solar power. With ground breaking this week the student body, faculty, and staff at BCHS will soon be reaping the benefits of their solar carport shade structures. This 500kW system will account for approximately 95% of the school’s current utility usage, the equivalent to powering 65 local homes.

The decision to add a solar power system to the BCHS campus was a simple one. “We have a motto at BCHS: Honor God…Helping Students Soar! Quite simply, we believe that conserving the resources God has given us is one more way to honor Him. He has given us these resources and told us to manage them wisely.” says Stephen Dinger, President of BCHS. “We are striving to provide the very best academic program for our students. The dollars saved by using solar will directly benefit our ability to provide a quality program. Money spent on energy can now be re-directed to the classroom and to financial aid making it possible for more students to be a part of a school we believe is second to none in the Valley.”

While the decision to use solar power was simple, choosing the right company to partner with took more time. “We requested proposals from a number of experienced, reputable companies. A-C Electric Company stood out as the one best equipped to meet our needs, time schedule and, who understood and appreciated our overall vision and mission.” says Mr. Dinger.
“We are truly honored to be selected to design and construct this landmark project for BCHS.” said David Morton, Vice President of A-C Electric Company. “With our abundant sunshine and rising utility rates, solar just makes so much sense. When coupled with a financing program, organizations like BCHS can save money right way without spending a dime.”

With nearly 70 years in the Central valley, A-C Electric Company has a passion for supporting the local community. The partnership between BCHS and A-C goes beyond the construction of the solar system. A-C Electric Company will also be providing an educational experience for the students through a solar power workshop and an internship that includes a scholarship. “This is truly a unique opportunity to partner with one of the very finest academic institutions to directly enrich the lives of their students today and provide benefits for generations to come.” says Morton.

Whether it’s being financially and environmentally responsible or using this opportunity to build future generations of local and global leaders, both Bakersfield Christian High School and A-C Electric Company look forward to the completion of this project as a way to invest in the future of Bakersfield. Or as Mr. Dinger puts it, “Overall, this is a win-win-win proposition!”